)
)
Licensed auto and home insurance agent
4+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing
NPN: 20564519
Katie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.
Featured in
Licensed property and casualty insurance agent
10+ years editing experience
NPN: 21630969
MacKenzie Korris is an insurance copy editor with a producer’s license for property and casualty insurance in Missouri.
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Media relations director for Insurance Information Institute
20+ years in insurance and communications
Impartial, independent expert
As Senior Director, Media Relations, for Insurance Information Institute, Mark serves as the non-profit’s national spokesperson, sharing information and education on a wide array of insurance issues.
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)
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
Updated
At Insurify, our goal is to help customers compare insurance products and find the best policy for them. We strive to provide open, honest, and unbiased information about the insurance products and services we review. Our hard-working team of data analysts, insurance experts, insurance agents, editors and writers, has put in thousands of hours of research to create the content found on our site.
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Table of contents
Studies show that drivers with poor or low credit histories may be more likely to file claims.
Drivers with poor or average credit pay an average of 18% to 47% more than drivers with good credit.
Country Financial offers the lowest rates for people with bad credit and poor driving histories.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with bad credit
Country Financial has the cheapest insurance for drivers with poor credit, but improving your credit could lead to more competitive rates from other car insurance companies.
The table below shows the cheapest rates for drivers with bad credit.
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7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote: Liability Only |
|---|---|
| Country Financial | $49 |
| USAA | $61 |
| Auto-Owners | $78 |
| State Farm | $87 |
| Allstate | $88 |
| Mile Auto | $90 |
| American Family | $92 |
| GEICO | $97 |
| Commonwealth Casualty | $99 |
| Safeco | $102 |
| The General | $104 |
| National General | $106 |
| Mercury | $109 |
| Root | $111 |
| Direct Auto | $111 |
| Nationwide | $113 |
| Dairyland | $115 |
| Erie | $116 |
| Travelers | $117 |
| GAINSCO | $118 |
| Bristol West | $126 |
| Farmers | $128 |
| Elephant | $130 |
| AssuranceAmerica | $136 |
| Anchor | $138 |
| Liberty Mutual | $149 |
| Clearcover | $151 |
| Plymouth Rock | $154 |
| 21st Century | $158 |
| Shelter | $160 |
| CSAA | $174 |
| State Auto | $182 |
| The Hartford | $183 |
| Chubb | $226 |
| Hugo | $229 |
| Amica | $297 |
How credit history affects car insurance rates
A credit-based insurance score isn’t the same as a credit score.[1] Auto insurance companies assign insurance scores based on a driver’s partial or full credit information. Studies suggest that a driver’s credit history may accurately indicate their likelihood of filing a claim.
Auto insurance companies assess information like payment history, outstanding debt, credit history length, pursuit of new credit, and credit mix when creating a credit-based insurance score. Payment history and outstanding debt have the biggest effect on your premiums.
Remember that your credit history and credit score are also two separate things. Your credit history is the comprehensive credit-related information contained in your credit report. A credit score is the numerical calculation based on your credit report that lenders use to determine your risk as a borrower.[2]
Your credit-based insurance score won’t affect your ability to borrow money.
The use of credit-based insurance scores is permitted in nearly every state. But California, Maryland, Massachusetts, Oregon, Hawaii, Utah, and Michigan place restrictions, bans, or limitations on how insurers use credit for setting auto insurance rates.
Find Cheap Car Insurance for Your Credit Profile
Monthly liability rates average $119 for drivers with bad credit
Which states prohibit credit-based insurance scoring?
Seven states limit or prohibit the use of credit in insurance ratings:
Michigan: Insurance companies can only set payment options, not determine policy premiums or eligibility, based on credit history.
Maryland: Car insurance companies can use credit history only for initial policy rates.
California: Auto insurers can’t use credit-based insurance scores when underwriting or rating policies.
Hawaii: The state bans credit history from influencing car insurance premiums.
Massachusetts: Car insurers can’t use credit histories for setting rates or for accepting or renewing policies.
Utah: Insurers can use credit information when underwriting new auto policies.
Oregon: The state limits what credit information can influence policy underwriting and rating.
Best insurance companies for drivers with poor credit
Check out the best insurers for drivers with poor credit in the table below.
Company | Average Monthly Liability Quote | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| COUNTRY Financial | $49 | Bunding and discounts |
| Mile Auto | $90 | Low-mileage drivers |
| GEICO | $97 | Coverage availability |
| Auto-Owners | $78 | Poor driving record |
COUNTRY Financial: Best for bundling and discounts
| User Reviews | 4.0 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | NR |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $42/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $90/mo |
Customers appreciate the prompt claims service and personal touch but are frustrated by the constant rate increases and lack of discounts.
Customers appreciate the prompt claims service and personal touch but are frustrated by the constant rate increases and lack of discounts.
COUNTRY Financial has more than a century of experience in the insurance industry, which includes consistent AM Best ratings of A or higher since 1933. Car insurance coverage is limited to fewer than 20 states, most of which are west of the Mississippi River.
The upside for drivers in these states is that COUNTRY Financial’s range of discounts and telematics can offer drivers with poor credit, who normally see high premiums, savings of 25% or more.
Diverse discounts offered based on occupation, marital status, and age
Policyholders work directly with insurance agents in their state
Available in only 19 states
Insurance quotes available only by email or over the phone
Mile Auto: Best for low-mileage drivers
| User Reviews | 4.5 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 8.8 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $74/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $133/mo |
Drivers appreciate the quality service but find the rates high and claim processing slow.
Drivers appreciate the quality service but find the rates high and claim processing slow.
Mile Auto offers pay-per-mile insurance, which is designed for policyholders who drive less than 10,000 miles annually. Drivers with lower credit scores can help control their costs instantly by limiting their mileage.
The insurer sets a base rate, and it charges an additional cost each month based on the number of miles driven, which are verified via odometer photographs. Customers are generally pleased with the service, though some express frustration with higher-than-expected rates and a poor online user experience.
Potential to pay nearly 40% less than current premiums
Liability-only coverage available for the cheapest rate possible
Available in only 8 states
No other car insurance discounts available
GEICO: Best for broad availability
| User Reviews | 4.0 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 9.2 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $80/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $148/mo |
Customers appreciate the reliability and customer service but find the rates to be high and increase frequently, even without claims or accidents. The app has improved, but some find the claims process lacking.
Customers appreciate the reliability and customer service but find the rates to be high and increase frequently, even without claims or accidents. The app has improved, but some find the claims process lacking.
GEICO has a long, solid reputation in the industry, which includes an A++ AM Best rating, and it’s available across the U.S. Its rates for drivers with poor credit are competitive with those of smaller, regional insurers.
If you’re a safe driver, you could save even more with GEICO ’s DriveEasy usage-based telematics program, which offers a sign-up discount of 15% and up to 25% off your premium.
24/7 customer service and nationwide availability
Extensive discounts available
Rates for drivers with average/poor credit aren’t as low as some competitors
Higher premiums for drivers with traffic violations on their records
Auto-Owners: Best for poor driving history
| User Reviews | 4.3 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 8.2 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $45/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $87/mo |
Customers appreciate the friendly service and quick claims process but dislike the constant rate increases and perceived inflexibility in pricing.
Customers appreciate the friendly service and quick claims process but dislike the constant rate increases and perceived inflexibility in pricing.
Auto-Owners not only provides competitive car insurance for drivers with bad credit, but it also has some of the lowest national averages available for people with incidents in their driving history. Additional benefits include the potential to waive a collision deductible and waive the surcharge fee for at-fault accidents.
The company also offers homeowners and renters insurance. Policyholders who bundle can take advantage of a common loss deductible for damage to their car and home.
Extra coverage options available to limit deductible/claims costs
Favorable rates for people with less-than-perfect driving histories
Available in only 26 states
Mid-range customer service scores have fallen recently
How to lower your car insurance costs with poor credit
Few actions can improve your credit overnight, which is why long-term strategies like minimizing your credit card usage, monitoring your monthly FICO score, and checking your credit report online require patience.
The good news is that drivers with poor credit can use a variety of long-term and short-term strategies to lower their insurance costs. Telematics, discounts, and deductible changes often have an immediate effect on your premiums. Think of it like the “avalanche method” for car insurance prices.
Maintaining a good driving record and sticking with the same insurance company for multiple years also increase your opportunities to lower your monthly rate over time.
Here’s a closer look at these methods and why each might be an effective way to lower your rates while you improve your credit.
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Bundling discounts
One of the most popular discounts across insurance companies is a bundling discount. You can earn a common bundle discount by purchasing a homeowners insurance policy and an auto insurance policy from the same company. But remember that renters insurance, pet insurance, business insurance, life insurance, and even additional vehicle insurance policies usually make you eligible for the discount.
Telematics and usage-based programs
Many insurance companies are expanding their insurance offerings to accommodate diverse drivers. Pay-per-mile programs offer opportunities for drivers to pay a lower base rate and additional per-mile fees. Telematics programs use a device plugged into the car or a mobile app to monitor your driving habits. Habits that fit the telematics criteria, such as steady braking rather than hard braking, can make drivers eligible for discounts.
Increase your deductible
Your deductible is how much of the financial responsibility you take on when filing an insurance claim. Increasing your deductible tells your insurer that you’ll pay for a greater share of the damage cost. Insurance companies typically lower monthly premiums for drivers with higher deductibles. Opting for a low deductible, on the other hand, tends to increase premium.
Maintain continuous coverage
Maintaining continuous coverage can help you in two different ways. Some car insurance companies, like American Family and Liberty Mutual, offer loyalty discounts for customers who maintain their policy for years. And since having a lapse in coverage can lead to premium increases, maintaining continuous coverage even between insurers helps keep costs as low as possible.
Pay your policy in full up front
Many car insurance companies, like GEICO and Progressive, offer discounts for policyholders who pay for the full policy amount up front. Depending on the size of the discount and initial quote, you could save hundreds of dollars.
How to increase your credit score
A safe driver can still receive high premiums because of a low credit-based insurance score. Even though the insurance company looks at overall credit history, not just the credit score itself, improving your score can improve your full credit profile.
Here are a few tips for increasing your credit score:[3] [4]
Check your credit. Check your credit report annually via Experian, TransUnion, or Equifax, and report any inaccuracies.
Pay your debts. Pay your loans and bills on time each month, including the full monthly balance on your credit cards.
Manage debt-to-credit ratio. Keep your debt-to-credit ratio low and manageable.
Avoid credit applications. Delay any new credit applications.
Keep accounts open. Avoid closing current credit card accounts, even if you aren’t using them.
Maintain savings. Save for expensive purchases instead of taking out a loan or paying with a credit card.
Ask for extensions. Ask for extensions on bills you may be late to pay, or ask if paying a portion of the amount you owe will temporarily suffice.
Meet with a professional. If you have no or limited credit history, speak with a financial professional about ways you can slowly and manageably start building a good credit score.
Factors that affect car insurance beyond credit
Credit history is only one of multiple factors that insurance companies use to set auto premiums. Other factors include:
Coverage limits
A liability-only policy has fewer coverage options and generally costs less than full-coverage policies.
Driving record and claims history
Insurance companies offer better rates to people with safe driving habits, clean driving records, and zero claims history.
Age, gender, and ZIP code
Insurance companies look at aggregate data to suggest whether you’re more likely to file a claim based on your personal profile information.
Vehicle type
The cost of replacing your vehicle with a new car, repair costs, and safety features all affect rates.
Although a driver with a poor-to-fair credit likely won’t receive the best car insurance rates available, they’ll likely get a better rate with a spotless driving record. In contrast, a driver with average credit might get a lower-than-expected rate because of their recent accident or incident history.
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Should you get car insurance if you have bad credit?
All drivers need to secure the minimum car insurance coverage as required in the state where their vehicle is registered.
Driving without the required insurance coverages can result in fines at the very least. Committing a traffic violation without insurance, which can include something as small as running a stop sign and as big as being involved in an at-fault accident while under the influence, can result in jail time, license suspension, SR-22 filings with future insurers, and insurance companies refusing to issue you a new policy.
You can make your premium more affordable without abandoning all forms of coverage. Liability-only coverage ensures you meet state requirements without paying for additional coverages like comprehensive or collision. You can also consider full-coverage pay-per-mile insurance if you rarely drive yet still want adequate protection without straining your budget.
Car insurance for bad credit FAQs
Your credit history can affect your insurance policy as much as your claims history. Use these frequently asked questions to find an affordable car insurance policy with less-than-perfect credit.
Does bad credit affect car insurance rates?
Yes, a bad credit history can affect car insurance rates. Many insurance companies use credit information as one of many factors for setting individual premiums. Drivers with bad credit tend to receive higher rates.
How much more do drivers with poor credit pay for insurance?
Drivers with poor credit pay approximately 47% more for insurance across the country than drivers with excellent credit scores, according to Insurify data.
Which car insurance doesn’t check your credit score?
Car insurance companies don’t check your credit score, but most will check your credit report if state law allows. Companies believe that policyholders with unfavorable credit histories are more likely to file claims.
How much is insurance with bad credit?
Drivers with poor credit pay an average of $173 per month for insurance, compared to drivers with excellent credit, who pay $124 per month.
Which insurance companies accept drivers with poor credit?
Insurance companies often consider people with poor credit to be high-risk drivers. The General, State Farm, and USAA are just a few insurers that write policies for high-risk drivers.
How long does poor credit affect insurance rates?
Poor credit can continually affect your insurance rates if your insurance company rechecks your credit-based insurance score during renewal periods or when you apply for a new policy with another company that uses insurance scoring. This is why it’s important to prioritize improving your credit over time.
Can you improve your insurance rates by improving your credit score?
Yes. Making payments on time and properly managing your credit utilization can increase your credit-based insurance score, which may lead to lower rates. Always let your insurance agent know when your credit history improves.
Methodology
Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 190 million quotes served to car insurance applicants in Insurify’s proprietary database to calculate the premium averages displayed on this page. These premiums are real quotes that come directly from Insurify’s 500+ partner insurance companies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quote averages represent the median price for a quote across the given coverage level, driver subset, and geographic area.
Unless otherwise specified, quoted rates reflect the average cost for drivers between 20 and 70 years old with a clean driving record and average or better credit (a credit score of 600 or higher).
Liability-only premium averages correspond to policies with the following coverage limits:
- Bodily injury limits between state-minimum rates and $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident
- Property damage limits between $10,000 and $50,000
- No additional coverage
- Comprehensive coverage with a $1,000 deductible
- Collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible
Quotes for Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, State Farm, and USAA are estimates based on Quadrant Information Services’ database of auto insurance rates.
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Sources
- DISB. "How an Insurance Company Can Use Your Credit Score to Determine Your Premium."
- III. "Credit score vs credit history."
- USA.gov. "Understand, get, and improve your credit score."
- Financial Readiness.gov. "Understand the Ins and Outs of Credit."
)
)
Licensed auto and home insurance agent
4+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing
NPN: 20564519
Katie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.
Featured in
Katie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.
Licensed property and casualty insurance agent
10+ years editing experience
NPN: 21630969
MacKenzie Korris is an insurance copy editor with a producer’s license for property and casualty insurance in Missouri.
)
)
Media relations director for Insurance Information Institute
20+ years in insurance and communications
Impartial, independent expert
As Senior Director, Media Relations, for Insurance Information Institute, Mark serves as the non-profit’s national spokesperson, sharing information and education on a wide array of insurance issues.
)
)
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.